FMO Holiday Run to Riviera Grill Presented By STR

Name: FMO Holiday Run to Riviera Grill Presented By STR
Start: 2025-12-27T10:30:00-05:00
Location: Riviera Bar and Grill

Schedule

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025 at 10:30 am

UTC-05:00

Location

Riviera Bar and Grill | Punta Gorda, FL

Registration Inofmtion for FMO Holiday Run to Riviera Bar & Grill on Alligator Creek in Punta Gorta
We’re headed back to the FMO “Clubhouse,” Riviera Bar & Grill, for our Holiday Run presented by STR. This event is the second of two designated fundraising runs supporting the FMO Scholarship Fund.
Safety is our top priority. Please carefully review the club’s updated starting procedures outlined below. Flagged starts have been eliminated, and a new departure format has been implemented to reduce congestion, remove any sense of competition, and promote safe, orderly spacing between boats—while still ensuring a smooth and enjoyable departure for all participants.

Membership information/renewal:
All vessels participating in FMO events are required to carry insurance and have a club membership. Memberships are on a calendar year basis and if you have not yet renewed your membership for 2025 / 2026 or are new and wanting to join the club please visit our website.
https://ftmyersoffshore.com/membership/
Please use this link to register for the event.
https://ftmyersoffshore.com/event-3/

STARTING PROCEDURE / ROUTE:
Our starting point will be the south (Gulf) side of the Sanibel Bridge.
Color-Group Virtual Start Format
To enhance safety and reduce congestion at the start of the run, Fort Myers Offshore will utilize a color-group virtual start procedure led by designated safety boats. This format eliminates clustered starts while maintaining an organized and enjoyable departure.
Group Assignments
Each participating boat will be assigned a departure group color:
o Red
o Green
o Yellow
o Blue
Captains will receive their group color and designated gathering area several days before the run. (If you are running with friends please reach out to me personally and I will do my best to ensure you are in the same starting group)
Group Staging
-Each color group will stage at a predetermined gathering area.
-Each group will have a designated lead / safety boat displaying that group’s colored flag. This is the area you should gather and mill waiting for your groups virtual starting time.
-Boats should arrive early, idle safely, and stage calmly within their assigned area. A map of your area between the Sanibel Causeway and the lighthouse will be sent to each registered captain.
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Virtual Start Windows
Each group will depart during a virtual start window:
-Red Group: 10:50 AM
-Green Group: 10:53 AM
-Yellow Group: 10:56 AM
-Blue Group: 11:00 AM
These times are intended to space groups naturally and prevent overlap.
Departure Procedure:
At the assigned start time:
o The lead / safety boat will lower its colored flag
o The lead boat will casually and smoothly get on plane
o Boats in that color group may follow at their own pace
There will be:
o ❌ No flag drops
o ❌ No pacing boats
o ❌ No aggressive acceleration
The instruction is simple: When your lead boat goes, you go.
Captains are responsible for:
o Passenger readiness
o Safe spacing
o Running at a comfortable and controlled speed
Alcohol consumption by captains prior to or during the run is strictly prohibited
FMO Fun Runs are about camaraderie and charity—not speed.
Your responsibility is to your passengers, fellow boaters, The Club, and the community.
(WEATHER PERMITTING) We will be running the Gulf OUTSIDE of Sanibel and Captiva to Redfish Pass. When going up the ICW there is a marked channel on the backside (east side) of Useppa Island (between Useppa and Pine Island) that will take you out into Charlotte Harbor and save several miles off the ICW route that runs up to Boca Grande pass. Just make sure you stay within the marked channel. Once into Charlotte Harbor you will head north as if going to Fisherman’s Village. Approximately 4 miles before the entrance to the Peace River you will traverse westerly into Alligator Creek. (maps to follow). Alligator creek winds back through the mangroves and opens up at Riviera Bar and grill.
(NOTE: There is an option on the webpage during registration for an early departure at 10:30am. This group will run the ICW to the Riviera and must cruise at or below 65MPH)
Dockage:
Riviera has over 100’ dockage right off the tiki bar that we can raft off 3 deep. We must maintain space for traffic in the channel. There is ample space in the basin behind the restaurant where we can raft up 20 deep per row. To avoid congestion, low tides, and currents I recommend heading to the back basin when you get to the “Y” in the channel just before the Rivera. The crew at Riviera Bar & Grill will be keeping slips open for our group all morning. Please express your appreciation with a tip for the guys helping us out. Remember even if they are unable to assist you in docking they were working for you to keep a slip open. Please be considerate of the neighboring residences and refrain from playing loud music in the canals.
Fuel/Distance:
From the Sanibel bridge to Riviera and back to the start via ICW should be about 80 miles with an offshore route being an additional 10 miles.
Food:
Riviera will have a limited menu to order off of featuring the clubs’ favorite items. There will also be a grill and featuring There will also be a grill featuring hamburgers and hot dogs along for expedited service.
Communication:
My cell number is 630-363-1986 and Cyndee's is 239-238-0777. Anyone dropping out after the start should let us know so we do not spend time either waiting or looking for you. Please leave a message if we do not answer.
Safety:
Each vessel captain is solely responsible for the safe operation of their boat and for the safety and conduct of all passengers onboard. Captains are expected to operate their vessels in a prudent, responsible manner at all times and in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local boating laws.
When operating within the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or other congested areas, captains must remain especially vigilant. These waters can experience high vessel traffic, limited visibility, and varying conditions. Please give all other vessels, fixed structures, and navigational markers a wide berth, operate at appropriate speeds, and strictly adhere to the established Rules of the Waterways.
The consumption of alcohol by captains is strictly prohibited while operating a vessel. Safety decisions must remain clear, deliberate, and unimpaired at all times.
This is a non-competitive, recreational group run. There is no requirement to maintain pace with any other vessel. Each captain is responsible for determining a safe speed and may adjust or disengage from the group at any time based on conditions, vessel capability, or personal judgment.
The organized portion of the event concludes upon arrival at the designated lunch destination. Departure from the destination is at the sole discretion of each captain, and all subsequent operation of vessels is independent of FMO.